Skip to Content Skip to Content

Communications

The television and the President
A black and white image of Harry Truman speaking in front of a microphone.

The first televised presidential speech was given by Harry Truman on Oct.5, 1947. (Image: AP Photo/Herbert K. White)

The television and the President

On Oct. 5 1947, Harry Truman delivered the first televised presidential speech. Communications expert David Eisenhower looks at the history of politics and media and the significance of this moment 75 years later.  

Kristina García